The program begins with Covenant and Cultural Foundations in Year 1, exploring the theological and cultural distinctions of Christ Church and the Moscow family of ministries. Think of it as the foundations of the Moscow Mood. From there, we explore Reformed Systematics with the help of Calvin, Turretin, and Bavinck in Year 2. Finally, in Year 3, our theological vision is applied in courses on apologetics, homiletics, and counseling.
Alongside this theological thread, the program works its way through redemptive history, beginning with creation and moving to the present day over the course of three years: Year 1 in the Old Testament, Year 2 in the New Testament, and Year 3 in Church History. The goal of this sequence is to see all of history as redemptive history, with the Scriptures as the great proclamation of God’s mighty works.
In addition to theology, Bible, and history, the program focuses on biblical languages: Hebrew in Year 1, Greek in Year 2, and a biblical theology capstone that brings them together in the final year. The language sequence is designed to equip our students to mine God’s word of treasure for God’s people and to teach them how to prepare a meal for God’s flock from the bread of his word.
Finally, beginning in Year 2, Greyfriars are apprenticed in local congregations in order to gain invaluable pastoral experience in the context of a local church. Greyfriars attend elder meetings, assist in the leadership of worship services, participate in pastoral counseling, and learn the practicalities of overseeing a congregation.
Understanding the Sequence
- The four Foundations courses introduce distinctive elements of NSA’s approach to covenant and culture, in keeping with the vision for the College held by the Christ Church session of elders.
- The program proceeds sequentially, with a year of Old Testament, a year of New Testament, and a year of Church History, so that students get the full sweep of redemptive history (to the present day) over the three years.
- Basic language proficiency is completed through preparation during Jerusalem and Nicea terms of Year 1 (Hebrew) and Year 2 (Greek), followed by exams that must be taken prior to corresponding exegesis courses.